Coronavirus Fact Check: Amongst the many cases of COVID-19, two dogs from Hong Kong and a cat from Belgium recently tested positive for coronavirus. The coronavirus comes from a family of viruses that can infect human beings and mammals such as cattle, pigs, cats, dogs, etc. There are also coronaviruses that infect animals such as cats and dogs but have no effect on humans. The current pandemic is caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) which was transferred by animals to humans. So far research points at bats as a potential reservoir of the virus.

So, should pet owners be worried about their furry friends? The answer is no. According to WHO currently there is no research to suggest that dogs and cats can infect humans with the virus. The cases of an animal testing positive are of a human to animal transmission than the other way around. In both cases, the pet owners were suffering from COVID-19 and may have transferred the infection to the animals. According to doctors, if you are tested positive then social distancing with pets can ensure that they don’t get ill.

The only way that pets may transfer coronavirus is if their body acts as a fomite which is any surface that can transmit diseases. In this case, animal fur can be a potential fomite but only if an ill person sneezes directly on the fur and you happen to pet the animal immediately. According to veterinary experts, this kind of transmission is very rare. Corornavirus survives longer on hard inanimate surfaces such as plastic, glass, and metal. Research also points to surfaces such as cardboard as a potential carrier of the virus. Nevertheless, it is important that if you are infected you should keep your pet quarantined as well and keep them away from other people.

Pet owners can minimize the risk of both catching and transmitting the infection by frequently washing their hands before and after handling their pets if they have been outside. Take all necessary precautions such as carrying sanitizers and avoiding taking pets to crowded places for a walk in the present conditions. Pets also do not require any face mask to protect themselves.